Expedition Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea And Indonesia: Island-Hopping To Hidden Pacific Gems
Expedition Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea And Indonesia: Island-Hopping To Hidden Pacific Gems
Cruise overview
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About Auckland
Auckland is called the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why. On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Māori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found "mucking around in boats."Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats. About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour's drive; during the week many are quite empty. Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Māori language and means solitary bird.According to Māori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk. When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngāti-Whātua tribe was firmly in control of the region. The British began negotiations with the Ngāti-Whātua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital. In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township's foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington. Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets. As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center. Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed. Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out. That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Māori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu. Auckland has the world's largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south. The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand. Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life. When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education. Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming. The Pacifica Festival in March is the region's biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs. The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools’ Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing. This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city's naked aspiration. It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K. Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009. The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront. The area, where many of the city's most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct. A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live "south of the Bombay Hills," the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland). "Jafa," an acronym for "just another f—ing Aucklander," has entered the local lexicon; there's even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders. A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country. Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns. But these internal identity squabbles aren't your problem. You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes' driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird.
About Bay of Islands
The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at thetop of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll passfarms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast,up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often withrefugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered aroundbreathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes at the footof the Brynderwyn Hills. Turning left will take you up the West Coast throughareas once covered with forests and now used for either agricultural orhorticulture. Driving over "the Brynderwyns," as they are known,takes you to Whangarei, the only city in Northland. If you're in the mood for adiversion, you can slip to the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove, anarea settled by Scots, and Laings Beach, where million-dollar homes sit next tosmall Kiwi beach houses.An hour's drive farther north is the Bay of Islands, known all over theworld for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, andshimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 betweenMāoriand the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealandstate. Every year on February 6, the extremely beautiful Waitangi Treaty Ground(the name means weeping waters) is the sight of a celebration of the treaty andprotests by Māori unhappy with it. Continuing north on the East Coast, theagricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series ofwinding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are bothbeautiful and isolated where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. .The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged andwindswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldestand largest kauri trees; the winding road will also take you past mangroveswamps. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, theheadland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believedMāori souls depart after death. Today Māori make up roughly a quarter of thearea's population (compared with the national average of about 15%). The legendaryMāori navigator Kupe was said to have landed on the shores of Hokianga Harbour,where the first arrivals made their home. Many different wi (tribes) livedthroughout Northland, including Ngapuhi (the largest), Te Roroa, Ngati Wai,Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngati Kahu, and Te Rarawa. Many Māoriherecan trace their ancestry to the earliest inhabitants
About Kuto Bay, Isle des Pins
Named by Captain Cook in the 18th century for its prominent, spiny pine trees, Île des Pins is a vibrantly beautiful island located in the Pacific Ocean and part of the New Caledonia archipelago. Surrounded by some of the world’s brightest aquamarine blue water, the island has also been nicknamed as “the closest island to paradise,” with tropical fish and coral that can be seen through the transparent waters of its lagoon. Île des Pins was used in the 19th century as a prison for political exiles from France and remains can still be seen at Kuto and in the village of Ouro. Today the island’s primary inhabitants of the island are the native Melanesian Kanaks, with 2,000 residents. One of the local sites to see on this island are the spear-shaped carvings surrounding a Catholic monument in the city of Kuto. The beaches in Kuto and close-by Kanumera are some of the finest beaches in the South Pacific and while Kuto is for swimming, Kanumera and the giant rock in its bay are for snorkelling.
About Solomon Islands
About Komodo Island
Pink Beach earned its name for the way the beach can appear to have a rosy hue in certain lights. The color comes from small flecks of red coral mixed in with the fine white reef sand. With a few trees along the beach for shade, this stretch of coast makes a fine place to relax or enjoy a snorkel or dive in the crystal clear waters. It is possible to spot a striped clown fish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or to see a grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant soft coral. The reef here is now protected by law and the maturing corals are a joy to behold.
About Benoa, Bali
Bali really is as alluring as everyone says. This island, slightly bigger than Delaware, has it all: beaches, volcanoes, terraced rice fields, forests, renowned resorts, surfing, golf, and world-class dive sites. But what sets Bali apart from other nearby tropical destinations is Balinese tradition, and villagers dedicated to celebrating it. The hundreds of temples, dances, rituals, and crafts linked to their ancient Hindu faith aren't a show for tourists, but a living, breathing culture in which visitors are warmly received by the Balinese, who cherish their own identities.
Separate living/sleeping area
- Separate dining area
- Sleeping area with panoramic view
- Separable beds
- TV in living and sleeping areas
- Veranda with space heaters
- Daylight bathroom with two sinks, free-standing bath, rain shower and veranda access
- Steam sauna in shower area
- Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Separate toilet
- Free mini bar
- Coffee machine
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars in the cabin
- Nordic walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- Butler service
- Table reservation in main restaurant
- Free use of Wi-Fi
Separate living/sleeping area
- Separate dining area
- Sleeping area with panoramic view
- Separable beds
- TV in living and sleeping areas
- Bathroom with two sinks and rain shower
- Separate toilet
- Steam sauna in shower area
- Heated wall in bathroom (e.g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Free mini bar
- Coffee machine
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars in the cabin
- Nordic walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- Table reservation in main restaurant (applies to the PLATINUM and GOLD fares)
- Butler service
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
The French Balcony Cabins in Category 3 on Deck 6 are approximately 23 m²/248 ft² in size, and those in Category 5 on Deck 7 approximately 21 m²/226 ft². The Balcony Cabins at the stern have a slightly different floor plan.
- Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
- Heated wall in the bathroom (e. g. for towels and wet parkas)
- Rain shower
- Free mini bar (soft drinks)
- Coffee machine
- Separable beds
- Extensive infotainment with live broadcast and recordings of expert presentations, forward-view camera, navigation chart, films and much more
- Binoculars
- Nordic Walking poles
- 24-hour cabin service
- There is one cabin with fully accessible layout and equipment (cabin 404)
HANSEATIC spirit
Each of our expeditions is a work of art. Passionately conceived, masterfully realised. A portrait of the world in which there is always something new to discover. And our small, state-of-the-art expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit (max. 230 guests) are the very best studio where such artistic masterpieces are created. Worlds both faraway and nearby. Ice and tropics. Wildlife paradise or cultural treasure. For every explorer, we offer the right journey of discovery. More than 30 years of experience as the market leader in German-speaking countries.
Ship Facts
| Launch Year | 2019 | ||||||
| Refit Year | |||||||
| Language | de+en | ||||||
| Gross Tonnage | 15650 | ||||||
| Length | 138 | ||||||
| Width | 22 | ||||||
| Currency | EUR | ||||||
| Speed | 16 | ||||||
| Capacity | 230 | ||||||
| Crew Count | 175 | ||||||
| Deck Count | 7 | ||||||
| Cabin Count | 127 | ||||||
| Large Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Wheelchair Cabin Count | N/A | ||||||
| Electrical Plugs |
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Deck 9
- Zodiacs
- Flexible canopy
- Sun Deck
Deck 8
- Sun Deck
- Ocean Academy
- OCEAN SPA
- Course room
- Sports Club
- Hairdresser
- Pool
- Whirlpool
- Glass Balcony
- Pool bar
- Observation Lounge
Deck 7
- Bridge
- Veranda Suite or Ocean Suite
- Penthouse Suite
Deck 6
- Tenders
- Inspiration Walk
- Veranda Suite or Ocean Suite
- Grand Ocean Suite
- Penthouse Suite
Deck 5
- Lido Restaurant
- Grand Penthouse Suite
- Penthouse Suite
- Veranda Suite or Ocean Suite
Deck 4
- HANSEATIC Restaurant
- Nikkei
- Reception
- Cruise Sales
- HanseAtrium & Bar
- Boutique
- Penthouse Suite
- Veranda Suite or Ocean Suite
Deck 3
- Changing room
- Hospital
- Marina
A new kind of freedom between adventure and pleasure
Come with us on a culinary voyage of discovery around the globe: on board, three spacious first-class restaurants create a unique and indulgent combination of expedition spirit with international gourmet cuisine. Spend your days and evenings however you wish thanks to flexible mealtimes, a free choice of seating and attentive 24-hour cabin service.
HANSEATIC Restaurant
The spacious HANSEATIC Restaurant of the new expedition class redefines on-board cuisine. From breakfast to dinner, experience our endless variety of creative cuisine at any time of day. Where your ship drops anchor, our top chefs will look to local specialities and conjure up for your plate the aromas of South Africa, the far north, or Europe. Daily changing menus will send your taste buds on a global tour of discovery – accompanied by a selection of wines to suit every palate.
L'esprit
The l'esprit on the HANSEATIC spirit celebrates the spirit of French cuisine. A tribute to culinary expertise and Mediterranean lightness.
Lido Restaurant
Expeditions bring you particularly close to the elements. The same applies to our Lido Restaurant. Have breakfast under an open sky, or enjoy a juicy steak cooked to perfection on the large outdoor barbecue – garnished with breathtaking panoramic views. Watch our gourmet chefs at work in the open show kitchen or head straight to the ice cream station for dessert. And why not? After all, the daily grind is far away.
That special touch
Land on a secluded island in a Zodiac and enjoy barbecued fish and chilled drinks with your feet in the sand. Or celebrate with a glass of champagne against a stunning icy backdrop. Our service and ingenuity continue ashore – with a barbecue on the beach, a reception in the ice or exotic delicacies in the depths of the rainforest. This is the feeling of true expedition. This is the taste of true delight.
A glass of wine in your hand and the magnificent jungle, the captivating wilderness of Nordic fjords or the icy panoramas of the Antarctic directly before you – the perfect end to a day of expeditions. From classic whiskys to fancy aperitif creations, the superbly equipped bars in the Observation Lounge and HanseAtrium serve your favourite drinks as you watch the sun go down. Welcome to the small club of great explorers.
Glass Balconies
The glass balcony beneath your feet allows you to hover above the water and reveals the endless expanse and beauty of the ocean. Watch whales and large porpoises as they follow the ship, thrilling you as they leap and swim. Being so close to creation is an indescribable feeling.
Inspiration Walk
The deck tour at the bow offers extraordinarily intensive experiences: when whales jump for joy and polar bears take an icy bath, you will be the first to see these fascinating natural spectacles.
Observation Lounge & Library
Stroll the spacious decks and feel the stars almost within reach – the terraced Observation Deck with a panoramic view is but one place to fulfil your dream. You can also quench your thirst for adventure in the comfortable surroundings of the Observation Lounge. The large full-glass windows provide a 180-degree view of the moon and sea while you reflect on your unforgettable travel days over a glass of wine.
Library
You are welcome to borrow a book on board at any time. Our library is located in the Observation Lounge (Deck 8) and is stocked with a selection of the latest fiction books, travel literature and information about the cruising area.
Invisible Lounge
Located on Deck 4.
Reception
Post
The Reception staff will post your postcards and letters from all ports where this facility is available. Your onboard account will be debited with the appropriate charges.
Announcements
To create the full expedition experience, commentaries are provided for interesting passages during the cruise and special animal sightings are reported. The ship’s position is reported in the morning on days at sea. We will also announce via the loudspeakers when the local authorities have cleared the ship and we can go ashore. The volume can be controlled individually in each cabin/suite.
Means of payment
The on-board currency is the euro. An account will be set up for you so that you can make cashless payments during the cruise. You can find out your current account balance at any time using the infotainment system in your cabin/suite. You can then settle the entire account at Reception at the end of your cruise. We accept German EC/Maestro cards and the following credit cards: Mastercard, American Express and Visa. You can also pay in cash. Please note that, in general, foreign currencies cannot be changed on board.
reception@hanseatic-nature.com